Marshall County Council Creates RDA

06/10/2015

Marshall County was the first
in a three county coalition to take the necessary steps to create a Regional
Development Authority (RDA). Shortly
after the County Council’s approval of an ordinance supporting the
establishment of an RDA on June 8th, neighboring St. Joseph and
Elkhart County approved similar ordinances.

The existence of an RDA allows
the region the opportunity to submit a Regional Cities grant application. If successful in receiving one of the two
grants, the region will have access to
$42 million, coupled with a $168 million local match, for implementing projects
and strategies to improve the region’s quality of place and attract top
talent. The RDA’s main purpose is to provide
administrative oversight and accountability, and supports long-term
communication, agenda building, and performance tracking for the region.

The application, which is
being prepared with assistance by the Michiana Area Council of Governments
(MACOG), the Michiana Partnership, Inc., and Fourth Economy Consulting, will be
submitted by July 1st.